Beat the Market With Our Free Pre-Market Newsletter Enter your email to get Benzinga's ultimate morning update: The PreMarket Activity Newsletter Comments Loading... SpaceX is preparing to establish its first ground station for Starlink satellites in Vietnam by June, with plans to build a network of 10-15 stations across the country. What Happened: The investment follows Vietnam’s recent decision to allow Starlink to operate under a five-year pilot program through 2030, permitting Elon Musk to maintain full control of SpaceX’s local subsidiary despite the country’s typical foreign ownership restrictions, Reuters reported, citing sources. The first ground station, requiring approximately $3 million in investment, is expected to be operational in Danang by June. Vietnam’s government has mandated that “all traffic generated in Vietnam must pass through this gateway,” enabling authorities to monitor data transfers more closely in the tightly controlled nation. SpaceX’s expansion comes amid heightened trade tensions, as President Donald Trump‘s administration prepares to announce potential tariffs on Wednesday targeting countries with large trade surpluses with the U.S., including Vietnam’s $123 billion surplus last year. SpaceX did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comment.